Dr. Robert Phillip Nirschl, MD

Yes, I was originally informed by my urologist after having a catscan of my kidneys to check for kidney stones that there was evidence of osteo necrosis in both hips and to schedule a followup appointment with an orthopedic doctor for further evaluation. I scheduled an appointment with Dr Nirschl, who my family and I had been using for many years. I had the catscan done at VA Hospital Center Radiology Deptartment. Upon Arriving @ Dr Nirschls (an hour early) I was informed that VA Hospitals web portal was not available to view catscan so while I was waiting I thought I would contact VA Hospital Radiology to get a copy of catscan and read. I was informed by Lily his secretary that would not be necessary as Nirschl Orthopedic has their own X-ray. After reviewing said X-ray I was told by Nirschl there was no evidence of osteo necrosis. I ended up paying out of pocket an additional $200 + the original copay ($50). I informed Lily his secretary I would pay balance due in installments of $50.… She then proceeded to harass me by telephone until I paid balance. Several weeks later while seeing my general practioner after being questioned regarding my visit to Nirschl he told me that X-rays by themselves were not revealing, that an MRI was needed to properly diagnose my condition. I ended up spending an additional $400 just for a proper diagnosis which revealed both hips affected by osteo necrosis. So, I scheduled a followup with Dr Nirschl thinking "what the F!'. I get in to see Nirschl, he pulls up MRI, takes one look at it, realizes he screwed up, and basically gives me the bums rush, not proscribing anything, just gives me a surgical referral to his associate Dr Wellborn with no explanation. Frustrated I made an appointment with a new orthopedic who proscribed fosomax to slow down or stop problem. The man is getting old and slipping. I like him but will not use him anymore. I intend to seek a refund, will go so far as to file a warrant in debt with small claims court in Arlington to recover original amount paid. I live on a fixed income, and will fight for what I believe is right.

Dr. Nirschl is a very likeable person and is very accessible, which is why I gave him two stars. BUT he screwed up his treatment of a finger that I fractured in two places, as well as damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. I originally called to set up an appointment with their much younger hand doctor, but was told that she had no openings for a couple of weeks, but I could see Dr. Nirschl that afternoon--and that he still sees patients, but doesn't do surgery. He identified one (of two) fractures in the bone, and noted the ligament and tendon problems (but not cartilage). He immobilized it for the next six weeks, and then buddy taped it for another six weeks. Even though it had blown up to almost double its size---and stayed that way---was painful, and could barely flex, he kept telling me to wait it out. After three months, I went to the Curtis Hand center in Baltimore (one of the best hand places in the country), where one of their doctors (using Nirschl's own x-rays!) showed… me a second fracture that Nirschl hadn't seen, as well as cracks in the cartilage that Nirshl hadn't seen. He gave me a steroid shot and sent me to hand therapy (I'm using someone unrelated to him near my office). He said that I should have been moving the finger very soon after the injury. He seemed surprised that Nirschl had not recommended a steroid shot or hand therapy. It's now three weeks after switching doctors and starting hand therapy. My finger now looks almost normal, has almost no pain, and I have maybe 80% of its flexiblity back already. Dr. Nirschl was clearly once a great doctor, and he is still a great person to meet, but he both misdiagnosed and failed to properly treat my finger. I'd definitely go elsewhere, or at least insist on being seen by one of the other doctors in this practice.